Assessing the role of PEKK implant material on cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, and molecular interactions with pro-inflammatory cytokines: An in-vitro and in-silico study.

INTRODUCTION

and aim: Due to its excellent mechanical strength and biocompatibility, Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is emerging as a potential substitute for titanium in dental implant applications. The aim of the study was to evaluate its cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory responses, and molecular interactions to assess its potential in implant applications.

METHODS

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, and molecular interactions of PEKK compared to titanium. Disc-shaped samples (10 mm × 2 mm) were fabricated for each material following ISO standards. Human periodontal fibroblast cells were cultured and treated with the samples for cytotoxicity assessment using the MTT assay, while pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression (IL-1β, TNF-α) was analyzed via real-time PCR. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock to investigate PEKK's binding interactions with cytokines, and data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA and post hoc test (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

PEKK showed comparable cytocompatibility to titanium, yielding similar outcomes in cell viability (P > 0.05) or pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (P > 0.05). Molecular docking revealed strong interactions with IL-1β (-8.9 kcal/mol) and TNF-α (-7.3 kcal/mol).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that PEKK exhibits comparable cytocompatibility and pro-inflammatory responses to titanium, with a potential to modulate inflammatory pathways. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm its clinical viability as an implant material.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study gives the clue of PEKK as an aesthetic implant biomaterial and it can be useful as an alternative to Titanium dental implant.